Reyes Ortiz, a bus operator, joins the picket line at the Phoenix Transit Department… more

All photos by Jim Poulin/Phoenix Business Journal

The business community across Phoenix has seen some impact from the strike, but for the most part, it hasn’t affected operations.

“This is definitely something that we are following. We are cognizant of it,” said Justin Micatrotto, chief marketing officer for Raising Cane’s restaurants.

Micatrotto said his managers haven’t seen any absenteeism, but are working with their staff to help people get to work.

“A lot of our staff members are close enough that they can walk and they are also making alternative arrangements. Our GMs are reaching out to the staff,” Micatrotto said.

Tuesday’s negotiations are expected to be held between groups that include a federal mediator, company executives and leaders from the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1433, which represents striking drivers.

The contract between Veolia Transportation and the city of Phoenix expires in 2015. Neal Young, the city’s transportation director, said at a press conference that the company has until March 24 to reach an average 60 percent service level across routes.

Over the weekend and early this week, service levels were ranging from 17 to 21 percent, said Marie Chapple Camacho, Phoenix transportation spokeswoman.

The Phoenix and Tempe drivers operate 50 of the 101 routes served by the regional Valley Metro transit system, which serves more than 200,000 bus riders per day.

Despite the bus strike, Metro Light Rail is unaffected and trains are continuing on their regular schedule.